Deputy Principal

The Lent of Saint Francis

As we are in the Season of Lent, our time of preparation for Easter, it is timely to reflect on a story about Saint Francis that is recorded in the book, Little Flowers of Francis of Assisi. This story is about how Saint Francis observed Lent on an island in Lake Trasimeno, near Perugia, fasting forty days and forty nights, eating nothing but a bit of bread. The story goes:

Having been lodged at the house of a faithful follower near the Lake of Perugia during the time of Carnival, Saint Francis was inspired by God to observe Lent that year on one of the islands in the lake. So Saint Francis begged his friend to take him in his boat to this uninhabited island during the night of Ash Wednesday, so that no one would know where he was. Because of the great devotion his friend had for Saint Francis, he agreed to this request. 

Saint Francis packed only two small loaves of bread. 

When they had reached the island, Saint Francis reminded his friend to tell no one that he was there and to come back for him no sooner than Holy Thursday (forty days later). His friend agreed and left Saint Francis on the island by himself. 

As there were no houses on the island in which he could take shelter, Saint Francis used a large, thick bush overgrown with vines as a kind of den or hut. There he prayed and contemplated heavenly matters. 

He stayed there throughout the whole of Lent without food or drink, eating only half of one of the small loaves he had brought with him. 

His faithful friend returned to the island on Holy Thursday. When he saw a loaf and half of bread still untouched, he believed that Saint Francis ate the half loaf he did out of reverence for Jesus, who fasted for forty days and forty nights. By eating this bit of bread, an act of intentional humility, Saint Francis put aside the temptation to imitate Jesus out of vainglory. 

God performed many miracles in this place where Saint Francis observed his Lenten fast. People came to the island and began to build houses and live there, and little by little, a town rose up, including a community house for the friars. 

To this day the inhabitants of this town hold in great respect and great devotion, the spot in which Saint Francis observed his Lenten fast.

Praise be to Jesus Christ and to his poor servant Saint Francis. Amen.

This story may remind us not only of Saint Francis’ commitment to Gospel Poverty but the invitation during Lent to embrace prayer, fasting and almsgiving in our preparation for Easter.  

Kedron Parish, Stations of the Cross

Kedron Parish is seeking student volunteers for the re-enactment of the Stations of the Cross as part of the Good Friday liturgy at Little Flower Church, Kedron. To be involved, students need to be available at the following times: 

Rehearsal 1: 9.00am - 12.00pm Monday 14 April 

Rehearsal 2: 7.00 - 8.00am Friday 18 April (followed by breakfast)

Liturgy: 10.00 - 11.00am Friday 18 April 

If your child is interested in volunteering, please complete the following form: https://forms.office.com/r/UMSS1AzHL7 

This invitation has been extended to all students in the Franciscan schools of Kedron (Mount Alvernia College, Padua College and St Anthony's Primary School). Please see flyer attached.

Francis and Clare Schools Assembly

At our special assembly for students in Francis School (Year 7) and Clare School (Years 8 & 9) on Thursday morning 20 March, we officially recognised our Year 8 students. As our newest members of Clare School, our Year 8 students were challenged to leave the “walls of the city,” to go deeper into their learning and broaden their relationships with others. 

All Year 8 students were presented with a copy of the Tavola of Saint Clare (depicting key events in her life) and a candle. Our Clare School symbol - the lantern – represents how Clare walked in the light of Christ and was a light for others. We hope the candle is a reminder to our Year 8 students to go beyond themselves.

Iftar Community Dinner

Last Sunday evening, four of our Year 11 students represented the College at the Community Iftar Dinner hosted by the Islamic College of Brisbane (ICB). The Iftar meal marks the breaking of the fast at the end of each day of Ramadan, a period of reflection for Muslims around the world. 

This year’s Community Dinner was attended by politicians and community leaders. In each of their presentations, the messages of inclusion and dialogue was affirmed. Mount Alvernia College, Padua College and the Islamic College of Brisbane were also congratulated for their long-term partnership and their participation in the award winning television series, The Swap (now screening on Netflix!). 

Thank you to Heidi Dowling, Caitlyn Nave, Alyssa Schaper and Hannah Wilson for representing the College so wonderfully at this event.

As Ramadan concludes this weekend, we extend a warm “Eid Mubarak” to the staff, students and families of the Islamic College of Brisbane and all members of our College community who celebrate Eid al-Fitr.  

Project Compassion

Project Compassion is the major fundraiser of Caritas, the Catholic Church’s agency for global development. This year, the Project Compassion Appeal highlights the impact of Caritas’ work and invites us to Unite Against Poverty. The money raised through this appeal is used to develop long-term development programs in partnership with some of the world’s most vulnerable communities for whom poverty and injustice is a daily reality. 

During Lent, each student is asked to consider what they can give up and to donate the money they save to people in need. 

Last year we set the goal of raising $3000, $500 per House. We raised almost $3500. Let’s try to match or exceed this great effort especially when so many people are doing it tough. 

Let us come together once again for Project Compassion and Unite Against Poverty.

All donations to your child’s House team can be made by visiting the Mount Alvernia College Project Compassion online portal.  Scroll down to Teams, select your child’s House, then donate. Alternatively, use the following links to your daughter’s House Team:

Belle Prairie House: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/t/belle-prairie-house

Greccio House: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/t/greccio-house

Perugia House: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/t/perugia-house

Rieti House: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/t/rieti-house

Spoleto House: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/t/spoleto-house

Villa Spada House: https://fundraise.projectcompassion.org.au/t/villa-spada-house

For more information about Project Compassion and the work of Caritas, visit the Caritas website.